September 25, 2017 1:09 am

If concerning aches, pains or other physical ailments have you on your way to the doctor for tests, be sure not to rule out stress. While it's easy to recognize the emotional effects of stress, you may be unaware that stress takes a physical toll, as well. The mind/body connection runs deep and stress will start to present itself in a variety of ways. Here are five physical symptoms that may actually be caused by stress, according to Self magazine.

1. Exhaustion – Our brains produce the hormone cortisol to give us short boosts of energy to get us through stressful situations. Feeling stressed for an extended period, however, releases too much cortisol, which can cause us to feel wiped out.

2. Gastro Pains – The excess production of cortisol along with epinephrine during stress can wreak havoc on your gastrointestinal system and cause cramps. Stress also exacerbates the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

3. Chest Pain – When you feel anxious or stressed, neurotransmitters are activated through your sympathetic nervous system, which can create a feeling of tightness in your chest. This leads many to fear they're having a heart attack, but chances are, your heart is just fine. Stress can also intensify heartburn, which can also mimic a heart attack.

4. Hair Loss – Everyone loses about 80 hairs or so a day, but increased cortisol due to stress puts your body in an inflammatory state, which means nutrients that usually go to your hair follicles go to other parts of your body instead. This can cause follicles to slow or stop production. Talk to your dermatologist about special shampoos and supplements.

5. Skin Issues – Skin rashes like psoriasis or eczema are intensified during stress. Similarly, the inflammatory state caused by stress also often leads to skin blemishes, such as acne.

While your doctor can offer medications and supplements to treat the above symptoms, remember that the ultimate cure is getting to the root of the problem and relieving the stress.